There exist various fish finders on the market which possess sonar capabilities. Most modern-day fish finders are equipped with both Down and Side Imaging mechanisms. However, only the Down Imaging will be singled out here.
To begin, what does Down Imaging really mean? Well, it is a fish-finding technique that incorporates high-frequency sonar beams, which are effused in ultra-thin sheets as a way of supplying extensive images of areas around and beneath your watercraft, in great detail.
The superior images produced from this mechanism assist anglers in locating game. Now, we’ll review some of the highest-ranked fish finders which have Down Imaging.
Top Rated 5 Down Imaging Fish Finders
5. Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 53dv
Number five is Garmin’s echoMAP CHIRP 53dv. If you’re in search of a fish finder that provides you with great Down Imaging for unclouded sonar scanning, then look no further! This unit is furnished with integrated sonar technologies such as CHIRP. This is a trailblazing feature that allows for more spectacular game separation, as it emits more energy onto the game when compared to common sonar.
Thanks to its microSD card slot, you can save waypoints for further use, and capture and store image screenshots. In addition, if you opt to store additional maps such as LakeVu HD, you can expand the size of the memory. This pre-integrated LakeVu HD mapping framework supplies above 17,000 greatly exhaustive maps of inland seas.
The Garmin 53dv features a 77/200 kHz double-beam integrated sonar, which employs just one transducer. This provides you with an image-like view that extends a maximum of 750 feet below your boat.
With its AutoGuidance function, you can just sit back while a safe pathway to your port of disembarkation is being generated. Additionally, it can compute an estimation of your arrival time, and evaluate dangers that may come up as you take on your journey.
Furthermore, with its QuickDraw feature, you can swiftly and efficiently produce personalized maps.
4. Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro
Featured among Raymarine’s most recent fish finders, Dragonfly 5 Pro is furnished with an assortment of features, for example CHIRP sonar. This sonar technology causes a greater quantity of frequency signals to be discharged into the water, which in turn increases the quality of sonar returns. Subsequently, this helps to better interpret whatever is seen on the screen.
First, the display of this unit has a resolution of 480×800 and a size of 5 inches. It also features an integrated optical bonding. This means that you’ll get more vivid colors and higher contrast.
The 5-Pro’s Down Imaging mechanism enables you to see precise and partially realistic images of fish and bottom structure. Besides, it goes up to 160 feet in depth. The deployment of multiple frequencies is a vital factor to Down Imaging. This is so because multiple frequencies cover a wider range, hence presenting more enhanced and visible images.
How about having a built-in Wi-Fi feature on your fish finder which allows you to interact with your mobile device? That would be very impressive, wouldn’t it? Well, that’s what Raymarine has implemented in this unit. You can use the WiFish mobile application for easier operation.
3. Garmin Striker 7DV
Third we have the Garmin Striker 7DV. Sound waves stand as the primary factor to be considered when examining the capacity of this unit. Obtaining the most uncut images of the underwater domain can be achieved by deploying a range of sonar beams. Essentially, the lesser the frequency, the more considerable the depth it will cover.
You’d be amazed by the weight this device carries. Just 1.7 pounds! Yes, that’s what I said, 1.7 pounds. It also has a dimension of 9.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches. Its 7-inch display, furnished with a 800 x 480-pixels matrix and astonishing backlighting capability.
Its CHIRP feature allows an ongoing wave of low-and-mid-range frequencies which work to instantiate enhanced fish arches, and in turn, greatly secluded fish as they travel along the way.
Garmin’s Downvü mechanism also enable the device to display almost realistic images of objects up to 700 feet beneath your watercraft. Besides, its Downvü sonar scan brings you breathtaking views of areas under and around your boat, up to 750 feet.
Furthermore, with respect to its highly reactive incorporated GPS feature, it is easy to revisit your dearest fishing location. Hence, determining your exact location is made really simple.
2 – Lowrance Hook-7 Sonar/GPS
Are you in need of an affordable, yet powerful Down Imaging fish finder? Yes? Great! Here, I present to you the Lowrance Hook 7 Sonar/GPS. Being such an extraordinarily designed unit with reliable fishing, along with chart-plotting performance, unquestionably all your requirements will be met.
This unit is furnished with a LED display of 7 inches, with backlighting features, and an 800×480 pixel resolution.
Another amazing feature is that you’re able to view multiple windows at a time. This feature allows for the prompt choosing from an extensive variety of preinstalled page mappings, which brings about more undisturbed and unchallenging navigation through really cool software features, by using just your thumb!
In addition, Lowrance went a step further to equip this unit with ultra-modern Chirp Sonar, along with DownScan Imaging technologies, which collaborate to present game separation and crisper and clearer images of what really lies under your boat.
Thanks to its built-in GPS system, revisiting your most-liked fishing locations becomes much easier. With its preinstalled maps, you’re able to view over 3,000 inland seas in great detail.
All in all, the device has fairly good qualities. It is moderately-sized, and has a spectacular feature pack, which lessens the demands of fishing.
1 – Humminbird Helix 7 DI GPS
At number one, we salute the Helix 7 DI GPS! Are you tired of struggling to locate and determine where fish are hiding? Well, thanks to the Helix 7 DI, you can no longer be limited to your search-and-find operations. Hummingbird introduced this unit as an inclusion in its fish finder product line.
Furnished with a LED 7-inch screen, with 256-color depth and a 16:9 aspect ratio, you can view amazing high-quality images. It also has a 480-pixel by 800-pixel matrix, which is fairly good for comfortable viewing. Its double-screen view allows you to observe water depths, and is perfect for Down Imaging.
Want to store your maps or locations you’ve visited? There is a MicroSD card outlet to accomplish this. In addition, with its absolute integrated GPS framework, which provides more than 50 pathways and above 2500 waypoints, you’re able to constantly backtrack to areas where you’re most productive.
The Helix 7 SI sits in company with the most comprehensive models in the series of Helix devices. It also sports one of the best well-crafted GPS frameworks. Subsequently, you can enjoy days of fruitful fishing, irrespective of the target or condition of the surroundings.
Comparison – Which Unit Should You Buy?
As fisher folk, you may be confused as to which Down Imaging fish finder is best for you. But how will you know what to look for? Do all of them give you the same performance? Well, stay attentive as I compare the 5 top rated units that are available on the market.
To note, all the units featured in this article have Down Imaging technology. This means that you can obtain clearer views of fish, bottom structure, and better game separation. They have GPS systems which enable you to pinpoint your desired location, or hotspots you’ve visited.
With the Garmin’s echoMAP CHIRP 53dv, you’re provided with a microSD card for storing your maps or waypoints. Like the others, you can also store extra maps on the device by expanding its memory. Moreover, you can create your own maps, via its QuickDraw feature.
If you want to be able to use your mobile devices in your fish finder adventure, then the Raymarine Dragonfly 5 Pro Sonar/GPS is definitely for you. It uses Wi-Fi to communication with your mobile devices.
Almost every angler wishes to have a lightweight fish finder. If you’re one of them, the Garmin Striker 4DV is your friend. Can you believe that this it weighs just 1.7 pounds? Unbelievable, right? It also sports a 7-inch screen, which creates more space for viewing.
The Hook 7 Sonar/GPS allows for reliable fishing and chart-plotting performance. Budget is also a factor to consider when choosing a fish finder, and that’s exactly what this device is all about. It is affordable, and provides great performance!
Lastly, we have the Helix 7 DI GPS. This unit has one of best GPS frameworks. How about being able to view multiple screens at a time? With its 7 inch display and double-screen display, Down Imaging becomes so intriguing. This unit really stands out among the rest.
Conclusion
Putting your budget at the forefront of your mind when looking to purchase a Down Imaging fish finder is of great importance. In point of fact, some of these units can be very expensive, depending on the features you’re looking to get. Down Imaging has been a great advancement in fish finding. It has made life easier for many fishermen, and continues to strive in the units in which it is implemented. To have a fish finder with this feature would be a great experience. Trust me! Just take some time to read our reviews. Then go out and commence your fish finding adventure!